How much does Moyes trust his squad?

[Getty Images] Losing elite quality without sensible reinvestment is not something Everton can afford with one of the Premier League's smaller squads. David Moyes used just 22 players in the top flight in 2025-26 - the lowest of any side - while 128 substitutions were at least six fewer than any other manager. Everton continue to focus a significant slice of their recruitment on development players. Central midfielder Hayden Hackney, 24, joined from Middlesbrough for £16.5m in July along with 20-year-old winger Tyrique George, who was signed from Chelsea for £18m having spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton. The more experienced Celtic defender Alistair Johnston is the latest player linked with solving the problem position at right-back, while 32-year-old Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard is reportedly an imminent arrival. The average age of signings in Moyes' second spell is under 24, including three players aged 20 or younger. But players aged 21 or under featured for 1,088 minutes for the club last season, ranking Everton only 17th in the Premier League. [BBC] The departures of Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gueye deprive Everton of more than 600 Premier League appearances - explaining the interest in Norgaard - while key midfielder James Garner is set to miss the start of the season following groin surgery. As things stand, it leaves Moyes in the paradoxical position of being potentially reliant on younger players he appears more reluctant to trust. "They need to show they're capable and deserve to play," added Osman. "I'm hoping that a year in, understanding the demands that are required, players like Dibling and George will make that progression and then suddenly our squad looks more trustworthy." Read more on Moyes and transfers here